Apparatus for producing v-reinforcements



Aug; 14,1945. M. HORNSTEI N APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING V-REENFORCEMENTS Filed June 7, 1944 -mnentor M o Era 1 /04: rm'

wauha Gttorneg Patented Aug. 14, 1945 APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING V-REINFORCEMENTS Morton Hornstein, New York, N. Y., assignor to Breslee Mfg. Company, New York, N. Y., a copartnership composed of Israel E. Levy and Arthur A. Gardner Application June 7, 1944, Serial No. 539,226

12 Claims.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing V-reinforcements for shroud lines of parachutes.

The V reinforcements for a shroud line of a parachute comprises in the currently used form thereof a strip of fabric having a funnel-shaped loop and a pair of flat parts integral with said loop and extending therefrom in diverging relation. The present invention has for its primary purpose the provision of means for facilitating and expediting the production ments.

The invention will be fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawing.

In the drawing:

Fig. l is a side view of apparatus embodying the present invention;'

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on theline 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1; w I

Fig. 4 is a side view of 'a web-holding stud forming an element of the apparatus;

Fig. 5 is an end view of the web-holding stud;

Fig. 6 is a view of one of the V-reinforcements produced in accordance with the present invenion;

Fig. 7 is a plan-development of the V-reinforcement or a plan view of a strip cut from a web in accordance with this invention.

Referring first to Figs. 6 and '7 of the drawing, the V-reinforcement I, illustrated in Fig. 6

is of well known construction, and as shown comprises a funnel or conicalshaped loop 2 having end openings 3 and 4 through which the shroud line (not shown) of the parachute extends-when the V-reinforcement is stitched as usual to the parachute. Said V-reinforcement comprises also two flat parts 5 and iwhich are integral with and extend from the looped portion 2' indiverging or V-relation therewith. The looped portion 2 and the fiat parts 5 and s are held temporarily in the formed relation thereof by a small quantity of wax or other suitable material applied as indicated at 1 between the over-lapped portions of the parts 5 and 6 adjacent loop 2. The outer marginal ends of parts 5 and 6, at the cut edges of the fabric strip from which the reinforcement is formed, are coated orimpregnated with wax or other suitable materialas indicated at 8 to prevent fraying of said ends. Fig. 7 may be considered as a plan-development of the reinforcement I, and by comparison of this figur of V-reinforcecumferentially of the frame.

with Fig. 6 it will be understood that said reinforcement is constituted by a fabric strip S having oppositely inclined edges 9 and 90.. It will be understood that the V-reinforcement I can be formed from the strip S by folding the intermediate portion thereof into the funnel shaped loop formation indicated at 2' in Fig. 6. Heretofore, in accordance with one method of producing V-reinforcements, like the V-reinforcement I illustrated in Fig. 6 individual strips S were first cut from a web of narrow fabric or tape and thenindividually formed into the V- reinforcement. The method of the present invention eliminates these operations, which slowed down production. The manner in which this is accomplished will now be described.

In accordance with the present invention a narrow fabric web W is looped as illustrated in Fig. 2 overa plurality of studs I0 carried by a rotary frame I2. Said studs are arranged in two groups at opposite sides, respectively, of said frame and are disposed in spaced relation cir- Each stud comprises a tapering base I4, a cylindrical stem I6 integral with said base at one end thereof, and a screw I8 integral with said base at the other end thereof for securing the stud to the frame. As two groups of studs are disposed at opposite sides of the disc-like frame I2, the studs in one group or series are spaced laterally of the studs of the other group'or series. Also, as illustrated, the studs of one group are offset longitudinally or circumferentially of said rotary frame from the studs of the other group, whereby the studs of the two groups are in staggered relation. Also, as illustrated, the studs are in inclined relation to the adjacent faces, respectively, of the disclike frame I2; said studs may be described as inclined toward the axis of rotation of the shaft 20 of the frame I2. It will be understood that when the web W is looped over the studs III in engagement with the tapered base I4 of the respective studs, said loops are funnel-shaped like the loop 2 of the V-reinforcement I illustrated in Fig. 6, the web being thus provided with two series of loops 2a, with the loops in one series spaced laterally of the loops of the other series and longitudinally offset from the last mentioned loops, as illustrated in Fig. 2, and the looped web has a series of -non-looped or flat parts 22 and 24 extending in diverging relation from a loop 2a in one of the series of loops to the adjacent pair of loops 2a. in the other series of loops. It will be understood that when the web W is thus engaged over the studs I0, said web extends continuously in zig-zag fashion around a part of the peripheral edge of frame I2. In order to provide the V-reinforcements with the temporary holding material indicated at I in Fig. 6 as described above, the operator applies a spot of molten wax or other suitable material to the portions of the web during the operation of engaging the latter over the studs to form the loops.

After the web W is arranged and looped on the fram I2 as described above, the web is out at the non-looped or fiat portions 22, 24 transversely thereof in line with the peripherally extending groove 26 with which the frame i provided, it being understood that said groove extends continuously around said frame. As a result of this cutting operation the web is divided into a pluremoved from the companion studs l0.

suitable heating means here shown, for the purpose of illustration, as comprising electric lamps 34.

The manner of using the above described apparatusfor performing the method of the present invention is believed to be obvious fromthe above description. It may be noted, however, that after the web W is applied to the frame I2 the latter is turned by hand in the direction of the arrow A (Fig. 1) so that the wax is applied to the central portions of the fiat parts 22, 24 intermediate loops 2a of the web, and then as the turning of the frame is continued in the same direction said flat parts of the web are presented to the rotary'cutter 28 for separating the web into the individual looped members I which are then After the looped members I are thus formed they are rality of V-reinforcements like the V-reinforcement I illustrated in Fig. 6. Otherwise described, the wveb is divided into a plurality of individual strips each of which, in plan development, has oppositely inclined cut edges 9 and 9a. as illustrated in Fig. 7. In this connection it is to be noted that the method and apparatus of the pres ent invention may :be used for producing flat strips such as the strip S illustrated in Fig. 7. which is provided with oppositely inclined end edges as indicated at 9 and 9a, since, if such flat strips are desired they can be readily formed by unfolding the V strips, and further in this connection it will be understood that when the production of fiat strips like the strip S is desired the application of the wax to the web as it is applied to the frame I2 may be omitted.

The apparatus includes means for cutting the web and as here shown said cutting means comprises a rotary cutter disc 28, disposed in line with the peripheral groove 26 of the frame I2 and having its cutting edge projecting into said groove, as illustrated in Fig. 3. It will be understood that as frame I2 with the web W looped on the studs I0 thereof is turned, the cutting disc 28 en-' gages the non-looped or flat parts 22 and 24 of the web for cutting said flat portions of the web along lines transversely f aid flat portions substantially centrally thereof between adjacent laterally spaced loops, thus dividing the web into a plurality of V-reinforcing members I. As here shown the rotary cutting disc' 28 is operated by a motor M which is connected by the belt B to the pulley P fixed to the shaft of said rotary cutter 28.

As described above with reference to Fig. 6 the V-reinforcement I is provided with waxed outer marginal edges 8 to prevent fraying of the cut edges. For this purpose molten. wax is applied to the central portions of the flat or non-looped parts 22, 24 of the webby dipping said portions in wax contained in a pan 30 into which a part of the peripheral edge of the frame I2 projects in movable relation thereto. By reference to Figs. 1 and 2 it will be observed that the edge of the frame is beveled as indicated at 32 and that only a narrow portion of the beveled edge of said frame as indicated at 32A'in Fig. 1 dips into the, wax 33 in pan 30' so that only the central portion of the flat parts 22, 24 of the web have wax applied thereto. It will be understood that said flat portions 22, 24 are out by the rotary cutter28 substantially centrally of the waxed portions so that each cut edge is provided with a marginal coating or impregnation as indicated at 8 in. Fig. 6. The wax is maintained in molten condition during the operation of the apparatus by any stitched to the parachute in the usualway for providing the latter with V-reinforcements for the shroud lines.

While I have shown and described the present ly preferred mode of practicing my invention, it will be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the underlying principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims. p

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in' one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively.

2. Apparatus of the character described comprising'a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respec-' tively, and inclined toward said axis.

3. Apparatus of the character described com-.

prising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each'other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concenranged adjacent the periphery of said frame in spaced laterally of the'adjacent loops and con-V nected-to the latter by adjacent intermediate portions of the web continuous with said altermate "and adjacent loops, and means arranged adjacentthe periphery of said frame in position to engage and cut through the-intermediate portions of the web between said. adjacent loops for cutting said web into a plurality of strips.

5. Apparatus of the character" described com prising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively, said frame and studs forming means for providing a web with a plurality of loops in spaced relation longitudinally of the web and with alternate loops spaced laterally of the adjacent loops and connected to the latter by adjacent intermediate portions of the Web continuous with said alternate and adjacent loops, and'means positioned near the periphery of said frame for applying a coating material to said intermediate portions of the web while said frame is turned about said axis.

6. Apparatus of the character described comprising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentrio with said axis and the studs inone group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively. said frame and studs forming means for providing a web with a plurality of loops in spaced relation longitudinally of the web and with alternate loops spaced laterall of the adjacent loops and connected to the latter by adjacent intermediate portions of the web continuous with said alternate and adjacent loops, and means psitioned near the periphery of said frame for applying a coating material to said intermediate portions of the Web while said frame is turned about said axis, and means arranged adjacent the periphery of said frame in position to engage and cut through the intermediate portions of the web between said adjacent loops for cutting said web into a plurality of strips.

'7. Apparatus of the character described comprising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the masm theother group, said studs of the two groups projecting lin' opposite' directions, respecevery, and inclinedtoward said axis, said frame and studs'forming means for providing a. web with aplurality of loopsin' spaced relation longitudinally of the web and with alternate loops'spaced laterally of the adjacent loops andconnected to the latter by adjacent intermediate portions of the web continuous with saidalternate ana adja-- cent loops, and means positioned near the periphery of said frame for applying a coatingi'naterial to said intermediate portions 'of the'web while,

saidframe is turned about said axis. v v

8. Apparatus of the character described comprising a framemounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in ,two groups spaced from eachother longitudinally of theturning axisof the frame, the'studs i'n of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric withs'aid' axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs ofthe two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively, said frame and studs forming means for providing a web with a plurality of loops in spaced relation longitudinally of the web and with alternate loops spaced laterally of the adjacent loops and connected to the latter by adjacent intermediate portions of the web continuous with said alternate and adjacent loops, said frame having a peripheral groove which is positioned between said groups of studs and which is traversed by said intermediate portions of the web when the latter is arranged on the frame, and a rotary disc-cutter disposed adjacent said frame in line with said peripheral groove the eof to engage and cut through the intermediate portions of the web between said adjacent loops for cutting said web into a plurality of strips.

9. Apparatus of the character described comprising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively, the inner ends of said studs being spaced inwardly of the peripheral edge of said frame.

10. Apparatus of the character described comprising a frame mounted for turning movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively, and inclined toward said axis, the inner ends of said studs being spaced inwardly of th'e peripheral edge of said frame.

11. Apparatus of the character described comprising a frame mounted for turrring movement, studs carried by said frame and disposed in two groups spaced from each other longitudinally of the turning axis of the frame, the studs in each of said groups being arranged in a circle concentric with said axis and the studs in one group being in circumferentially offset relation to the studs in the other group, said studs of the two groups projecting in opposite directions, respectively and inclined toward said axis, the inner ends of said studs being spaced inwardly" of the peripheral edge of said frame, said frame and studs forming means for providing a web with a plurality of loops in spaced relation longitudinally of the web and with alternate loops spaced laterally'of the adjacentloops and connected to the latterv by'adjacent intermediate portions of the web continuous With-said alternate and adjacent'loops, and means positioned near the periphery of said frame for applying a coating 7 material to said intermediate portions of the web ends of said studs being spaced inwardly of the peripheral edge of said frame, said frame and studs forming means for providing a Web with a plurality of loops-in spaced relation longitudinally of th'e web and with alternate loops spaced laterally of the adjacent loops and connected to the latter by adjacent intermediate portions of the web continuous with said alternate and adjacent loops,

and means positioned near the periphery of said frame for applying a coating material to said intermediate portions of the web while said frame is turned about said axis, said frame having a peripheral groove which is positioned between said groups of studs and which is traversed by said intermediate portions of the web when the latter'is arranged on the frame, and a rotary disc-cutter disposed adjacent said frame in line with'said peripheral groove thereof to engage and cut through the intermediate-portions of the Web between said adjacent loops, for cutting said web into a plurality of strips.

MORTON HORNSTEIN. 

